Univocal label to be stored by optical devices, method of production of the same and use thereof in the anticounterfeiting and in the identification of products

ABSTRACT

Described herein are: a univocal label that can be applied to any product, which can be characterized by a logo or else the sign of the manufacturer and/or vendor, which can be detected and acquired with image-acquisition devices and in particular with any photographic camera of a mobile-telephone apparatus; a method for production of said univocal label; as well as its use in anti-counterfeiting and in identification of products.

The present invention relates to the sector regarding means for productidentification and war against counterfeiting, and concerns moreprecisely a univocal label with evident signs that can be detected by anoptical image-acquisition device, which can be applied to a product thatis to be marked with a logo or else with any sign characterizing themanufacturer and/or vendor, the method of production thereof, and itsuse in anti-counterfeiting and in identification of products.

According to the present invention, the univocal label is constituted bya suitable sheet made of transparent material having a thickness ofapproximately 0.25-200 μm, applied by gluing on which are, in a randomand non-repeatable way, prints and/or holographs of logos orcharacterizing signs, which are to constitute, for each label, aunivocal map, which can be detected with reading and image-acquisitionoptical devices. Said map can be filed in a centralized control databank to which the user can at any moment gain access to verify theoriginality and authenticity of the product purchased.

For said purpose, according to another aspect of the invention, theunivocal label, once applied on the product, is designed to bephotographed in variable conditions of framing, lighting, andresolution, in the checking stage, via a remote system (for example, anappropriate optical device or a simple mobile-telephone apparatusequipped with photographic camera or digital telecamera) and processedwith image-processing algorithms to bring it back as much as possible tothe optimal conditions photographed by the master system.

The algorithms used in the present invention comprise, for example,filtering, image erosion, scaling of the grey levels, focussing, andwarping.

From the image thus enhanced the co-ordinates and dimension of eachparticle are extracted. The data thus obtained are compared with theones stored in the database through a merit function, which suppliespositive factors for each coinciding point and negative factors for eachpoint that is not recognized.

An acceptance threshold, which can be set according to the degree ofreliability of recognition, determines whether the label is to beconsidered original or false.

State of the Art

In recent times, on account of global production and marketing of theproducts and of the intercontinental flow of persons, there has beenencountered an exponential increase in phenomena of counterfeiting andcolourable imitation both of the products themselves and of most famoustrademarks, and, in some specific cases such as the foodstuff orpharmaceutical sectors, to the prejudice to the health of the consumer.Consequently, a large number of new-generation anti-counterfeiting andidentification systems have been developed, such as, for example,magnetic labels, three-dimensional holographs, and safety inks. Thesesystems have been obtained with highly innovative tools but arevulnerable and can be circumvented on account of their possibleduplication, interception, or formulation, given that they are mainlymass-produced industrial products, which can be copied or identifiedwith appropriate equipment.

Purpose of the Invention

The task of the present invention is to provide a univocal label, whichcan be obtained at an extremely low cost and which will be able tocharacterize any product on which it is applied or made to adhere,thanks to the presence of a non-repeatable identifier map (substantiallysimilar to a fingerprint), constituted by a plurality of logos or elsedistinctive signs, or parts thereof, randomly distributed, said mapbeing designed to be read by an optical image-acquisition device, to bestored in a centralized control data bank, and to be subsequentlydetected with a suitable optical detection device, such as, for example,a digital photographic camera, in any place and at any moment forchecking the property, for total guarantee of originality.

The above has been obtained according to the invention, by printing orholographing a logo or else a sign on a sheet made of suitable material,such as, for example, polyester. Said sheet has preferably a thicknessof approximately 2 to 25 μm.

By means of dinking of the print and/or the holograph thus obtained,particles are obtained, which can be distributed, in a single-layer orby sprinkling, on the adhesive side of a sheet made of suitabletransparent material, such as, for example, PVC, polypropylene, orpolyvinyl of a thickness preferably of approximately 0.25 to 200 μm.

The sheet can also be spread previously on one face with a mixturecontaining said particles in an amount that can range approximately from4% to 70% in a suitable glue, such as, for example, an acrylic glue evenin aqueous solution commonly used for rendering a label adhesive.

The label thus obtained, leaves in transparent view, on the side nottreated with the glue, the random distribution of the particles, whichconstitutes a background map and is a fingerprint proper which isunivocal and non-repeatable, given that it is impossible to reconstructan impression that is the same as the one filed since this has beenpreviously obtained in an altogether random way.

The label forming the subject of the present invention is hence anoptimal solution in defence of a product and is riot only surprisinglysimple, inexpensive, and applicable on any type of industrial productionline, but can be also easily detected by the end user himself even witha simple mobile-telephone apparatus provided with photographic camera.

Consequently forming a first subject of the present invention is a labelmade up of at least one sheet of suitable transparent material, present,distributed, and randomly oriented on which are holographed or printedparticles that are dinked in different sizes ranging from 10 to 4000 μmso as to enable their detection with an optical image-acquisition deviceduring production or packaging and be filed in a central data bank.

Also forming a subject of the invention is a method for the productionof the label described above, which consists in the following steps:

printing and/or holographing on a suitable sheet of material of athickness of approximately 2-25 μm logos or characterizing signs havinga maximum size of approximately 10-3000 μm in repetitive series;

dinking each print and/or holograph thus obtained in order to obtainparticles that can be distributed on a suitable sheet of transparentmaterial for labels having a thickness of approximately 0.25-200 μm,possibly pre-treated with a suitable glue or else spread with a mixturecontaining approximately 4-70% of said particles in a suitable glue;said particles can possibly also be sprayed on the glue with anindustrial aerograph or laid on the PVC-, polyvinyl-, orpolypropylene-based sheet to form the substrate of the transparentlabel;

printing on the back a sign in order to circumscribe the particlesapplied on the sheet of material for labels, in a space of approximately0.50-2.5 cm² thus creating a map or “fingerprint” with univocalbackground pattern;

reading, using a reading master system, the background map of the label,storing its characteristics of univocality in a compact format; thebackground map is optically detected with a high-resolution digitaltelecamera which frames it geometrically, illuminating it in a pre-setway and extracts co-ordinates and dimensions of each particle; and

associating the data to a univocal code read (datamatrix or other code)and storing them in a database for subsequent verification.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, said adhesive ornon-adhesive label can be used as a safety label with a logo or else anintrinsic univocal sign (map or “fingerprint”), which can be filed rightfrom the start for a possible comparison of authenticity. There isenvisaged in fact use, in anti-counterfeiting and in productidentification, of a univocal label according to the present invention,according to the following modalities:

detecting the map of the label applied to the product via an opticaldetection device; and

analysing and/or filing said map in the central filing data bank, whichcan be either local or remote, so as to verify and check via opticalmeans the originality of the product on which the label is applied.

This occurs according to the present invention by accessing in a knownway the data bank mentioned above and comparing the detected image ofthe label with the corresponding one previously stored in said data bankduring the process of production of the label of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention willemerge clearly from the ensuing detailed description with reference tothe attached plates of drawing which illustrate, purely by way ofnon-limiting example, some preferred embodiments thereof.

In the plates of drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a repetitive aligned series of a logo or sign to be used;

FIG. 1B shows a series of individual particles obtained by dinking,using the “edge-sign” method, of each single logo or sign or accordingto a programmed cut;

FIGS. 1C and 1D are schematic illustrations of a system for obtaininglabels according to a first embodiment of the invention, respectively inthe resting step and during its operation;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the step of delimitation of a background map thatis defined not only by the random location of each individual particlebut also by the variant of reading and position of the logo and by thedimensions of the circumscribed area considered;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the step of storing of the labelin the data bank and the subsequent remote detection using an opticaldevice; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the steps of preparation and useof a label according to the invention according to a different method ofembodiment that envisages coupling of a transparent PVC sheet with abi-adhesive polyvinyl sheet on a face of which an acrylic glue is spreadcontaining particles in the form of logos, signs, or letters obtainedfrom a black polyester sheet or holographed.

With reference to the figures, in order to produce, for example, apolypropylene label characterized by a customer logo bearing a univocalsign for a future check of originality as illustrated in FIG. 3 by thereference number 6, it is envisaged in the first place to provide amultiplicity of particles with the logo or with a particular personalsign chosen by the manufacturer as distinctive mark as well as sign forrecognition of a given firm.

In order to achieve said result, on a sheet of plastic material orpaper, whether neuter or coloured, with a thickness rangingapproximately from 2 to 30 μm, an aligned series is printed and thendinked with the logo or distinctive sign of the manufacturer in arepetitive position and with a size of approximately 10-4000 μm (FIG.1A).

This dinking is performed with the “edge-sign” method for eachindividual logo or sign, or according to a programmed and circumscribedcut thereof, creating an innumerable series of individual particles,with a size that can vary according to the print, each of which ischaracterized by the evident presence of the logo or sign as well as byits colour (FIG. 1B).

In the next step, said particles are introduced into a hopper 8 (FIG.1C), which, by means of a surface with vibrating screen 10, distributesand sprinkles them (FIGS. 10, 1D), on a glossy transparent polypropylenesheet 11 having a thickness of approximately 0.25 to 200 μm, during orafter spreading with glue thereof to render it adhesive.

The particles mixed with glue or spread on the glue distribute randomlywith differentiated positions of orientation over the entire arearendered adhesive of the polypropylene sheet 11, which is glued on atransparent supporting sheet 14 preferably made of polyvinyl.

On the back of the polyvinyl sheet, precisely on account itstransparency, the particles differently positioned that are fixed by theglue will stand out (FIG. 2A).

These particles, when circumscribed by being printed in a given space,will create a background map 12 deriving not only from the randomlocation of each individual particle, but also from the variability ofreading and position of the logo (FIG. 2B).

The base sheet 14 may be made of plastic material or mono-adhesive orbi-adhesive paper, having a different thickness according to therequirements of application of the label to the product.

In the next step, reading is performed of the univocal sign created bythe individual diversity of the background map 12 of each label (FIG.3).

The sign is detected with an optical detection device such as anoptical-digital photographic camera (or telecamera) 16, and thentranslated and processed via a suitable software program, and finallystored in a filing database for a possible retrieval for checkingpurposes.

According to the invention, the originality of each univocal label 6applied on the product 20 and distributed in commercial channels canthus at any moment be checked in real time even remotely, byphotographing the univocal background data with a suitable opticaldetection device or with a normal mobile-telephone apparatus 22 providedwith photographic camera, possibly sending the logo or sign detectedeven via MMS or the Internet.

The sign thus sent can be compared with the one originally stored orfiled previously in the database 18, giving the response of authenticityalmost immediately for a total guarantee of originality of the product20.

As an alternative to the method just described, use is envisaged, forthe production of the univocal label 6 a, of a transparent PVC sheet 24having a thickness of approximately 0.25-200 μm (FIG. 4) and applicationthereon of a bi-adhesive polyvinyl sheet 26, spread on one side of whichis an acrylic glue of a neuter colour in aqueous solution containingapproximately from 4 to 70% of the particles previously obtained from ablack polyester sheet as described above or else of other holographedparticles, the larger size of which is approximately 10-3000 μm (FIG.4).

The PVC sheet hence exerts the fundamental function of anchorage forfuture application as transparent self-adhesive label on the productwith the possibility of printing additional and personalizing data onthe back (FIG. 3C).

The dispersion and random distribution of the various black or elseholographed particles in the glue are brought out, through thetransparency of the PVC sheet, given that the particles, by beingcircumscribed and positioned via a printed sign, form a background mapfor each square centimetre.

In this way, a univocal sign is provided, which can be determined by anoptical detection device and can be sent to a centralized filingdatabase with the same modalities described in the previous case.

From what has been said so far, it is evident that the present inventiondoes not constitute a mere label, but a label providing assurance oforiginality with an intrinsic sign that constitutes its “fingerprint”filed originally for a future comparison of authenticity so providing aguarantee of the product on which it is applied and is characterized inthat it can be read and compared by the purchaser of the productinstantaneously in remote, mode with the use of an optical device, suchas, for example, a mobile-telephone apparatus, for an immediate check onoriginality.

Obviously, many details of the invention regarding the method ofproduction and the technique of collection of the images may vary,without this implying any departure from the scope of the invention asdefined by the ensuing claims.

EXAMPLE

Purely by way of non-limiting indication, there now follows a detaileddescription of the example of embodiment of a self-adhesivepolypropylene label characterized by the, logo of the manufacturer andbearing a univocal sign for a possible check on originality.

A polypropylene sheet with a thickness of 10 μm is colour printed withan aligned series with repetitive position of the manufacturer's logo,the larger size of which is 3000 μm. After printing, an edge-signdinking is performed of each individual logo, to create an infiniteseries of individual particles each characterized by the evidentpresence of the logo. In the next step, the personalized particles withthe logo are introduced into a hopper, which feeds a vibrating table,which, via a screen of variable mesh and variable vibration, distributesand sprinkles a 4% mixture of said particles. in acrylic glue, onto abi-adhesive polypropylene sheet having a thickness of 25 μm. Theparticles anchor to the glue and randomly distribute over the entirearea of the sheet with differentiated positions of orientation. Thesheet with the particles on top is then coupled to a transparentpolyvinyl substrate having a thickness of 20 μm, and printed on the backis a given circumscribed space of 0.5 cm² to create a background mapderiving from the random location of each individual particle but alsofrom the variability of reading and position of the logo. The next stepis performed by a master system for reading the circumscribed univocaldatum created by the individual diversity of the background map of eachlabel, which enables storage of its characteristics of univocality in acompact format. The background map is detected optically with a digital,preferably high-resolution, telecamera, which frames the circumscribeddatum in pre-set geometrical and lighting conditions and extracts theco-ordinates and the dimensions of each particle. The data areassociated to a univocal read code (datamatrix) and stored in a databasefor subsequent verification.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A univocal label for anticounterfeiting and identifying a product, said univocal label comprising: at least one transparent sheet; and a plurality of particles randomly present on said transparent sheet, said particles being dinked in different sizes ranging from 10 to 4000 μm and oriented allowing said particles to be read and acquired in a production or packaging stage; wherein said particles are read and acquired via an optical image-acquisition device which files date of said particle in a central data bank, said central data bank being accessible to verify originality of said product on which said univocal label is applied.
 12. The univocal label according to claim 11, wherein said particles are selected from one of holograph particles, and printed particles.
 13. The univocal label according to claim 12, wherein said particles having a characteristic selected from the group consisting of color, pattern, and shape.
 14. The univocal label according to claim 12, wherein said particles are black in color.
 15. The univocal label according to claim 12 further comprising a base sheet combined with said transparent sheet on which said particles are dispersed, said base sheet being selected from the group consisting of a mono-adhesive sheet, and a bi-adhesive sheet.
 16. The univocal label according to claim 15, wherein said transparent sheet is formed by a material selected from the group consisting of PVC, polypropylene, and polyvinyl, said transparent sheet has a thickness of approximately 0.25-200 μm.
 17. The univocal label according to claim 16, wherein said particles are characteristic signs printed on a sheet made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, and paper, said sheet having a thickness of approximately 2-30 μm.
 18. A method for producing a univocal label, said method comprising the steps of: applying on a sheet having a thickness of approximately 2-30 μm characterizing signs having a maximum size of approximately 10-3000 μm in repetitive and variable series; dinking said characterizing signs on said sheet to obtain particles; randomly distributing said particles via dispersion in a single layer on a base sheet, said base sheet being selected from one of a mono-adhesive sheet, and a bi-adhesive sheet; providing said base sheet, said sheet and said particles having a thickness approximately 0.25-200 μm; coupling said particles and said base sheet to a transparent sheet so that said particles remain inserted between a printed side and a side rendered adhesive, said transparent sheet being selected from one of PVC-based sheet, polyvinyl-based sheet, and polypropylene-based sheet; printing on said transparent sheet a sign that circumscribes said particles within a space of approximately 0.50-2.5 cm² thus creating a map with a univocal background pattern; and providing alongside the univocal background a print of personalized and complementary data for filing.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said particles are pretreated with a glue.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein said particles are spread on said transparent sheet with a mixture containing approximately 4-80% of said particles in a suitable glue.
 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein said particles are sprayed on a glue with an industrial aerograph to form a substrate.
 22. The method according to claim 18, wherein said particles are laid on said transparent sheet to form a substrate.
 23. The method according to claim 18, wherein said sign is selected from one of barcodes, datamatrices, alphanumeric data, and manufacturer logos.
 24. A method of using a univocal label for verifying the originality of a product provided with said univocal label, said method comprising the steps of: providing said univocal label on said product, said univocal label comprising: at least one transparent sheet; and a plurality of particles present on said transparent sheet, said particles being dinked in different sizes ranging from 10 to 4000 μm and randomly oriented on said sheet; detecting a map of said univocal label via an optical acquisition device; analyzing, processing and filing said map in a central filing data bank; and verifying and checking optically the originality of said product on which said univocal label is applied at any moment of a life of said product after production by accessing said data bank for comparing an image of said univocal label on said product to be checked, with a corresponding image stored in said data bank.
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said image of said univocal label of said product is detected with an optical acquisition device and sent to said data bank to be compared with said map filed in said data bank.
 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said image is sent to said data bank via a system from one of MMS, and internet.
 27. The method according to claim 25, said image of said univocal label of said product is verified and optically checked via a photographic camera of a cell phone. 